William J. Stanley

William J. Stanley, 83, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away November 4, 2025 at IU Hospital in Fishers, Indiana. Born May 2, 1942, in Manchester, Ohio, Bill was the son of the late Robert William Stanley and Otis Frances “Pansy” White. He graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1960 and went on to serve in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the USS Borie DD-704, a destroyer. Bill later attended Miami University of Ohio before earning his degree from Indiana University. On January 6, 1962, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Lola King, and together they enjoyed a full and happy life until Lola’s passing in December of 2008. Bill began his career as an Adjuster with American States Insurance, where he met many lifelong friends, including Hugh McGowan, who would later become his business partner. Together, they founded McGowan and Stanley, a successful property and casualty insurance business. Bill would go on to open his own business, Stanley Insurance Company in Carmel, Indiana, where he worked until his retirement in 2013. In retirement, Bill realized his dream of traveling the country, visiting friends and family, and creating new memories. A passionate tennis player, Bill spent countless hours on the court. He was part of a tight-knit group of friends who gathered every morning to play. Together, they enjoyed the camaraderie of friendly competition, and their love of the game took them to warm destinations for tennis tournaments and travel. These tennis buddies became lifelong friends, and Bill treasured the time he spent with them both on and off the court. For the last two years of his life, Bill resided at Meadow Brook Assisted Living in Fishers, where he enjoyed the company of new friends and became a beloved member of the community. His warmth, humor, and kind heart left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pansy Stanley; his beloved wife, Lola; and his daughter, Kimberly Huff. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and Brett Boston; his brothers, Anthony Jay (Janet) Stanley and Jerry (Mary) Stanley; his sister-in-law, Patricia (Richard) Ostella; his grandchildren, Jackie Santana-Pasch (Brad) and Jonathan Huff (Lynn Roach); his son-in-law, Larry Huff; and his great-grandson, Beckett Santana. Bill’s great sense of humor and ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him remained with him until the very end. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Meadow Brook Assisted Living and to the caring professionals at IU Hospital in Fishers for their kindness and support during Bill’s final days. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road. Burial will immediately follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road. The service will be conducted by Bill’s brother, Anthony Jay Stanley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of Bill’s life and the legacy of kindness and laughter he leaves behind.

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William J. Stanley

May 2, 1942 - November 4, 2025